Class Descriptions

High energy, authentic rhythms and dance are bought together and shared by Ase Amen-Ra and Althea Kariamu. This class is fun for all ages. Bring the whole family!

American Sign Language

American Sign Language classes at A Common Ground includes instruction in natural gesture and expression techniques, sign language vocabulary and grammar, Deaf culture and ASL literature. Lessons involve an introduction to language theory concepts, vocabulary practice, role-playing activities, group conversations and performance opportunities. Every class is designed to address individual skill levels and challenge students to expand their visual communication.

Ballet-Tap-Jazz-Modern

Jill Hancock inspires confidence, camaraderie, and the love to dance in all her students ages 3-adult. Her upbeat classes are fun and technical.

Capoeira

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art with its origin occurring during the 1500's in Bahia, Brazil, during the slave trade. Over the years it evolved into a formidable fighting form that eventually was used to help to end slavery in Brazil (c. 1888). From 1889-1933, capoeira was outlawed in Brazil until Manoel dos Reis Machado, the famed Mestre Bimba, created Capoeira Regional and formed the first capoeira academy in Salvador, Bahia.

Our practice continues the traditions passed on by Mestre Bimba. Capoeira is movement, balance, and discipline combined with traditional music and song.

Class is currently open to anyone fifteen years old and up. Classes for children from 6 to 14 are planned to start in early 2013. Students of all levels (beginner - advanced) are welcome.

Community Circle Dance

Dances from many cultures as well as contemporary pieces created in the spirit of ancient folk dance. No partners and no experience is required. All dances are taught, so start any time. Appropriate for all ages (youngsters must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.) Seasonal workshops available.

Flamenco

Learn the soulful traditional Spanish dance of Flamenco. Professional Dancer and Spanish native Sandra Hernandez brings her experience and lifelong dedication to dance and culture. A variety of classes are available for teen and adults.

Hip Hop

This high energy dance class with have you sweating WHILE having a blast! Learn the hottest dance moves to some of today's hottest music. Professional Dancer and Instructor Susan Rodriguez's infectious energy brings you a fun and exciting hip hop dance class for people of all ages, shapes, and sizes.

Hula & Tahitian Dance

Imma "Chona" Trinidad continues the artful, historic dance of hula here in our community. Be it a graceful story told through dance or the hypnotic movement of Tahitian roots, Imma shares this art with her children and adult classes.

Freak-Out Freestyle

A class where the students will see two sides of hip hop. Freestyle, where the students can really learn to feel out the music, self move and groove to the beat while exploring their creativity forms of pop and lock to breakdancing. And, choreography from and synchronized movement where the ying and yang of hip hop balance and develop.

Irish Step Dance

Irish Step Dancing (all ages) – Hard and soft shoe Irish Step Dancing. Ceili Dancing for Fun and Exercise – Group dancing, fun for all ages. This class will get your heart pumping and legs working in a light-hearted atmosphere!

Latin Moves Plus

Influenced by Zumba and Latin Cardio, this new class will emphasize the total workout, getting the heart rate up and shedding unwanted pounds. Latin Moves Plus fuses Latin, Middle Eastern, and Flamenco dance and will also focus on the upper body and hips, essential to the student's sense of self-awareness and self-confidence.

Musical Theater

Students in this course will have the opportunity to explore a few of the many aspects of musical theater. From musical performance etiquette, to simple choreography, script and character analysis, as well as popular theater and vocal techniques and games to find that inner-performer!

Pre and Post Natal Pilates

Whether you are anxiously awaiting the arrival or have just brought you new bundle home, certified Doula Sherrie Rushmeyer will keep you feeling good. Sherrie's genuine nature and expansive knowledge is comforting. Her class is designed to tone and strengthen the muscles used for childbirth along with a total body workout.

Prenatal Pilates is a class designed specifically for pregnant women. It will stretch, strengthen and tone your body as well as help alleviate common discomforts associated with pregnancy and prepare your body for your upcoming birth.

Postnatal Pilates will help you return to your pre-pregnancy weight and tone and strengthen all muscle groups. Babies are welcome to come to class with you.

Salsa

Jay Bardalai shows his enjoyment of the music and the dance, teaching the fancy but sensual moves of Salsa to teens and adults.

Balance of body and mind is created through the practice of Yoga postures. Jill Hancock teaches the correct alignment and technique to instill this balance to her students. Ages 14 to adults are welcome.

Ballroom (ages 5 through adult)

-17 and under classes will have a focus on learning etiquette, self-confidence and social skills along with dance basics and technique.

-Adult classes will have a focus on meeting new people, spending time with a special someone, relieving stress and getting exercise the fun way, along with dance basics and technique.

-All ages will have the option to take their dancing to the next level or to competition if desired.